About this destination
Discover Parumala Church
At a glance
Why this place stands out
Parumala Church is a major Malankara Orthodox pilgrimage centre near Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta, housing the tomb of Saint Gregorios and hosting the important annual Ormaperunnal observances.
Parumala Church, officially St. Peter’s and St. Paul’s Malankara Orthodox Church, is located at Parumala in Pathanamthitta district, Keralam, close to Thiruvalla and the Pampa River.
The church is best known as the burial place of Geevarghese Mar Gregorios of Parumala, revered as Saint Gregorios and affectionately called Parumala Thirumeni. His tomb has made the church a major Christian pilgrimage centre, drawing devotees from Keralam and beyond. The present church is also architecturally notable; its modern form was designed by celebrated architect Charles Correa and was planned to accommodate large congregations.
The annual Ormaperunnal, observed around November 1 and 2, commemorates Saint Gregorios and brings special liturgies, prayers and processions to Parumala. Outside festival days, the riverside setting is comparatively calm and lends itself to reflective visits. The church is within easy reach of Thiruvalla and can be paired with Niranam, Kaviyoor and other historic Christian and Hindu sites in the region.
Nammude Keralam